Air quality testing at Weber consistent with other areas near burning landfill, health department says

The Johnson County Health Department has advised officials with the Iowa City School District to use their judgement when deciding whether to send children outside for recess, as a fire continues to burn at the Iowa City landfill.

Kate Moreland, Iowa City schools community relations coordinator, said the health department has informed the school that air quality tests conducted at Weber Elementary Tuesday morning  showed air quality the same as other areas tested, with no elevated levels of contaminants.

The school, at 3850 Rohret Road SW, is located just west of the landfill.

The health department told the school their recommendations remain the same, but if the plume of smoke is present and noticeable, the school should avoid outdoor activities.

Moreland said the situation will continue to be monitored.

The Iowa City landfill has been on fire for four days. The fire is burning the lining of the landfill, which is made of shredded tires and is producing heavy black smoke.

The Johnson County Health Department has been testing air quality throughout Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty as the fire burns. The department is currently advising those with respiratory and heart conditions to use caution.

Officials announced Monday that garbage collection services will continue to operate normally, but only commercial and municipal haulers will be permitted to dump waste at the landfill until further notice.

Officials do not know the exact cause of the fire, but damages are estimated to be between $2 and $6 million.

TIME LAPSE VIDEO of smoke drifting over Iowa City area, as seen from the KCRG-TV9 CityCam at Mercy Iowa City: